It’s harvest time and also time to consider farm safety

Safety on the farm is a priority when it comes to operating those heavy-duty machines.

“It’s an industry or an application for the farmers where there’s always a safety factor to be thinking of all the time,” said Kevin Bolinder, the Branch Manager at Pioneer Equipment Co.

Potato harvest is in full swing and with any major crop, there are always safety issues when it comes to managing potentially dangerous equipment.

“The biggest piece of advice I could give anybody; any farmer, any worker, any applicator is to take their time. Learn the equipment, learn the safety features, and apply them because sometimes you don’t get a second chance,” Bolinder said.

Some possible issues: getting clothes caught in conveyor belts, falling into the equipment, removing protective shields and not replacing them, even moving too fast through the work.

“It’s not common, but not uncommon. It’s not near as prevalent as it used to be in years past because of the safety and the rules that’s incorporated in all of our equipment,” Bolinder said. “Take your time climbing the step, don’t be in a hurry and run up the steps. Because I’ve ruined my shins on some steps before trying to go too fast — and if your shoes are a little muddy or slippery you can hurt yourself.”